Exquisite minimalism

I love what the amazing artist, Augusto “Gus” Albor, said. We are all unique people, and we share our world view quite differently, too. Whether through performance, food, fashion, writing, visual art or more, these are what makes life such a party with a lot to look forward to.

Last 14 October, I went to the launch of his exhibit, Era, at the Leon Gallery in Makati. Produced under Derek Flores’ Art Agency, Era features Albor’s many beautiful works in minimalist abstraction.

I got the chance to meet the artist and have a quick chat. I also ran into some amazing people while I was there (and I made sure to get a photo op with them, too).

The paintings, of course, were the true highlights of the night. Everything was exquisite. Albor played with different-sized canvases and expressed his minimalism in loud yet subdued ways.

I found it most admirable how much thought he brings into his pieces. He has a way of organizing his many ideas, creating with purpose and intention, employing the most unexpected of inspirations into his work, like physics, and his take on light and sound waves.

In an attempt to simplify, his work is rooted in contrast: the push and pull of light and dark; mystery and magic. At a time when everything is so complex, Gus shares his own ideologies in this seemingly simple way. You could say minimalism juxtaposes the ideas behind it, and he does an amazing job of showing artful restraint despite evoking so much emotion at the same time. He is definitely one of the best artists today.

Era at the Leon Gallery is open until 4 November. I invite art lovers to experience Albor’s work and let it speak to you, too.

After the exhibit, I capped the night off with a very intimate birthday dinner for a dear friend. It was a great way to end the day. For me, it was a long evening, too, since the curfew was at midnight so I had enough time to catch up. I have a feeling more parties are in the horizon soon, and I’m more than ready. See you soon, party people. Cheers!